Words With Ward

In this episode, I share a talk I recently gave at Austin College on suffering and the Way of the Cross.Looking at the Passion narrative through a psychological lens, we explore what the Stations of the Cross reveal about the human experience of suffering and how we can imitate Christ when carrying our own crosses.Suffer Well!

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Hibbard, host of Why Catholic, to unpack his powerful journey from Protestant pastor to Catholic convert.We dive into what led him to question sola scriptura, how the writings of the Early Church Fathers reshaped his theology, and why he ultimately entered the Catholic Church. Along the way, we explore key differences between Protestants, Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox Christians, from authority and apostolic succession to tradition and the sacraments.This conversation isn’t about winning arguments. It’s about seeking truth, Church history, and the courage to follow conviction wherever it leads.If you have ever wrestled with questions about the early Church, denominational differences, or the foundations of Christian authority, this episode is for you.Follow Justin:https://linktr.ee/whycatholic?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=31f477a3-faaa-4423-a210-b7332c76b30d 

I sit down with Collin Bass to discuss living the Catholic faith in the corporate world. We talk discernment, endurance sport, and how discipline in business and training forms the soul.Check out Collin BassInsta: @catholiclaymanBook: LentenRefresh.comWeb: CollinBass.comSupport the Chicago Marathon Fundraiser:If you would like to support my Chicago Marathon run for the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, you can find the fundraising link below.https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/tylerward-ola

Fr. Zack Burns, TOR, joins the show to discuss his vocation story, Franciscan life, advice for those facing unchosen struggles, and how running teaches perseverance when the race is not one we picked.Support the Chicago Marathon Fundraiser:If you would like to support my Chicago Marathon run for the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, you can find the fundraising link below.https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/tylerward-ola

Brendan Murphy of Leave the 99 Ministry breaks down the failures, wounds, and spiritual desolation driving young people away from the faith. From the highs and lows of belief to the draw of the Traditional Latin Mass, this conversation confronts what is broken in the soul and what still calls it home.Follow Brendan on:YouTube: @leavethe99Instagram: @leave_the_ninety_ninety

In this episode of Words With Ward, Tyler Ward sits down with physicist and astronomer Dr. David Whelan to examine common assumptions about faith and science. Drawing from his experience in physics and astronomy, Dr. Whelan explains why scientific inquiry and belief in God do not need to be seen as opposing ideas.Rather than presenting science and religion as competing systems, the conversation focuses on how every worldview rests on certain foundational beliefs. They discuss whether science truly challenges belief in God, how wonder in the cosmos can cultivate humility, and why even scientific work depends on trust and belief, even when it is not labeled as faith.This episode invites listeners from all backgrounds to reconsider the perceived divide between science and faith and to reflect on what they ultimately place their trust in.Stay tuned until the end for his rapid-fire round, where Dr. Whelan shares quick, fascinating insights that you won’t want to miss.Note: A title mentioned in the episode has since been clarified by our guest. Johannes Kepler’s work on planetary harmony is correctly titled Five Books on the Harmony of the Worlds.David Whelan’s Website: https://whelanastro.com/Society of Catholic Scientists: https://catholicscientists.org/

In this episode, I sit down with Monica Fry, a Catholic dating coach, to discuss what it truly means to date with intention in the digital age. We explore the strengths and shortcomings of modern dating apps, how Catholic speed dating fosters authentic connection, and the benefits of Catholic coaching.Monica shares practical wisdom for navigating dating without anxiety, avoiding the trap of hopelessness, and approaching relationships as a vocation rather than a commodity. Whether you are single, discerning marriage, or simply frustrated with modern dating culture, this conversation offers a grounded, hope-filled Catholic perspective on love in an age of algorithms.Find Monica Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfwcatholicdating/Website: dfwcatholicdating.orgMonica's FIRST SPEED DATING SUCCESS STORY:  https://dfwcatholicdating.org/success-stories/blog-post-title-four-lr658-tcthp-wf5mw-2a9b9 Monica's new re-branded podcast: open.spotify.com/show/7zyXSqPMbPqmqGHCeTEdbP?si=-qcFEZ83SW-Z46g1VgfpGw Take the Next Step to Work With Monica: https://dfwcatholicdating.org/contact Monica's Substack: https://substack.com/@dfwcatholicdating?r=7348d2&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&shareImageVariant=image

In this episode, I sit down with Camilo Torres to discuss his work with Faith Fitness, a young-adult ministry rooted in community, the sacraments, and creating spaces for joyful, engaging Catholic events with strong guest speakers. We dive into what authentic discernment looks like, how to navigate the existential questions young adults carry, and the rise of modern expressions of faith—including the growing phenomenon of Catholic raves. We share reflections on our own experiences as we explore how young adults can discover their role in the Church today. This conversation is all about building joyful, mission-driven community and helping others rediscover the beauty of living the Catholic faith.

In this episode, I sit down with Saint Steps co-founder Chris McNichol to explore his spiritual journey, what makes his app unique in the fight against pornography, and how the virtue of temperance leads to real freedom from lust.

Karlie Kincaid (@kindredinkairos) joins me to talk about her conversion to Catholicism, authentic femininity, marriage, and the dangers of becoming your own god. A grounded, faith-filled conversation — plus a brand-new rapid fire segment.

Pedro Echeverria, President of the Catholic Student Association at Austin College, reflects on mental health, male spirituality, and the mission of young Catholics. Sharing his personal journey and lessons in leadership, he highlights the path back to joy through receiving the sacraments.

In this episode of Words With Ward, I sit down with my dear friend and youth minister, Stephen Thompson, to explore evangelization, fitness, and discernment. We reflect on the discipline of prayer, the role of physical health in faith, and how to hear God's call. Along the way, we also discuss key considerations for those guiding others in faith, whether as parents, mentors, or ministers. This conversation offers both encouragement and practical insights for anyone seeking to live and share the faith.

Stick around for a new and exciting podcast on faith, psychology, and culture